History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 118

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054

USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 118

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In 1856 the family removed to Columbus,

Georgia, when he became a member of the City Light Guards, commanded by Capt. Pey- ton 11. Colquitt, a brother of the late Senator A. H. Colquitt. After the secession of Georgia this company was mustered into service as a part of the Second Georgia Battalion, and was the first Georgia command to enter Virginia. reaching Norfolk two days after the evacu- ation by the Federals and the destruction of the Navy Yard. After his arrival Captain White witnessed the expiring flames of the burning of that magnificent old ship, the "Mer- rimac." once the pride of the navy and the ob- ject of admiration in foreign ports, whose sunken hull was to be raised and made the foundation of the irresistible floating battery. known as the "Virginia." Sergeant White, for such was his rank at that time, applied sub- sequently for admission to the Confederate States Navy, and was accepted and commis- sioned as an officer of the Engineer Corps. January 19, 1862. He was among the first men assigned to the "Virginia," and remained with her umtil her destruction. His office re- quired him to do duty on the gun-deck during engagements, which gave him an opportunity to observe closely the operations of the day. The thrilling history of this famous old bat- tery has been often told by Captain White upon the lecture platform, where he has ap- peared many times for the benefit of charitable enterprises and on behalf of Confederate Vet- eran associations. On Pages 86-92, inclusive. of this book may be found a history of the bat- tle-ship "Merrimac"-"Virginia," written by Captain White.

In the encounter between the "Monitor" and the "Virginia," March 9. 1862, the honors of shot and shell were well balanced. and if the "Virginia" had not on the previous day lost her ram in the sides of the "Cumberland," the moment when she succeeded in sinking that famous old frigate. Ericsson's invention would probably have seen its last day afloat: as it was, the "Monitor" drew away after that shock and sought shallow water where the

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"Virginia" could not follow, and, though often thereafter given an opportunity to meet the "Virginia," never again offered to accept bat- tle with her. Captain White remained on his vessel, whose very presence effectually guarded the James River from the Federal fleet, until the evacuation of Norfolk in 1862, when, de- spite the entreaties of her officers and men for permission to attack some Northern port, she was ordered abandoned, and it became neces- sary to destroy the historic vessel, which was accomplished by her own men on May 12, 1862, near Craney Island. Captain White afterward joined the crew in the defense of the James River at Drewry's Bluff, where they again encountered the "Monitor" where the rest of the Federal fleet, and de- feated the attempted landing of troops. Sub- sequently he was assigned to the gunboat "Baltic," and participated in several minor actions about Mobile Bay, assisting the "Florida" when she ran the blockade under command of Captain Moffat, with a fever- stricken crew. He then resigned from the navy, and returned to Columbus, Georgia, where he invented and put into operation ma- chinery with which nearly all the buttons and buckles used in the army were subsequently manufactured. Becoming a member of the Georgia Reserves, he served with them when called to Atlanta under General Hood, in the important battles of June 20, 21 and 22, 1864. After the fall of Atlanta he was ordered to re- turn to Columbus, where he encountered the Federal forces of General Wilson, and was compelled to surrender. Thus ended a mili- tary record of which he might justly be proud.

After these events Captain White resided at Portsmouth, and then, making his home in Baltimore, was occupied for over two years as a traveling salesman. By industrious persist- ence he accumulated a small capital, which en- abled him to embark in business as a partner of his father-in-law, Nathan Forbes, at Norfolk. Subsequently he established an independent

business under the title of E. V. White & Com- pany. Captain White is a man whose ability is recognized, and he has been called to fill some important and responsible positions. In political life he has often sat as a delegate in State and national conventions. For many years he served as commander of the Norfolk militia; at the occasion of the noted Mexican Parade at Norfolk, the largest ever seen in the city, his services were in demand as grand marshal of the day.

His religious affiliations are with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, and he has represented that denomination in State and general conferences many times. He was chief promoter of the Park View Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Portsmouth, which was dedicated in 1894 by Rev. Sam Jones.

He is officially connected with various business enterprises of the city and county, being president of the Tidewater Insurance Company of Norfolk and one of the founders of the Norfolk National Bank. Under him was introduced one of the largest branches of any business known in Norfolk,-railroad, steamboat and manufacturers' supplies,- which started in 1868 with only about $2,000 invested. Now, with the many houses in Nor- folk, the investment has grown to possibly more than three-fourths of a million dollars.

ILLIAM H. WHITE, formerly United States district attorney for the Eastern District of Vir- ginia, is a member of the firm of White, Tunstall & Thom, an as- sociation of legal talent which has attracted attention throughout the State and enjoys a large clientage, both individual and corporate. Mr. White was born in Norfolk County, April 16, 1847, and is a son of Dr. William White.

Dr. William White . was also a native of Norfolk County, and became a prominent

WILLIAM V H. WILLIAMS.

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member of the medical profession. He was also a power in public affairs and represented the county of Norfolk in the Virginia Conven- tion of 1861, strongly advocating the Union. but when the convention voted in favor of se- cession he was among the first to tender his services to the Governor of the State, and be- came a Confederate soldier. He received a commission as major of the 14th Regiment. Virginia Infantry, and ultimately became its commander. His regiment formed a part of Armistead's Brigade of Pickett's Division, and he participated in all the engagements of that famous division, receiving many serious wounds in the famous charge at Gettysburg. He fought with great gallantry and bravery. and although they went down in defeat, the division of which he is a member will live for- ever in the hearts and minds of true Southern- ers. The Doctor never entirely recovered from wounds received in battle, and they were the cause of his death in 1896.

William H. White received a partial edu- cation at the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, and completed it at the University of Virginia. He entered upon the practice of law at Portsmouth. Virginia, in April. 1868. and was subsequently made Commonwealth's attorney for Norfolk County. He removed to the city of Norfolk in 1870, and for several years was Commonwealth's attorney for that city. In 1873 he formed a partnership with Judge T. S. Garnett, under the firm name of White & Garnett, which existed until 1896. when the subject of this sketch was appointed United States district attorney for the East- ern District of Virginia by President Cleve- land, the appointment being confirmed by the Senate in January, 1897. He resigned from that office in December. 1898, and on January 1. 1899, became a member of the firm of White, Tunstall & Thom, a firm enjoying one of the largest practices in Virginia. Mr. White is also connected with many business enterprises of the city. being vice-president and general counsel of the Norfolk Gas Com-

pany. a director of the Norfolk National Bank. and director of the Norfolk Bank for Savings & Trusts. For many years he was a member of the State Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, Vir- ginia.

Politically Mr. White has always been a sturdy supporter of Democratic principles, but has never sought or accepted political offices other than those connected with his profes- sion. He is a lawyer first and always, possess- ing a sound. discriminating mind. a profound knowledge of legal principles, and as an advo- cate is earnest and eloquent. He is conserva- tive in speech and of courteous nature, but withal is a pleasing conversationalist and loves intellectual intercourse with his friends.

ILLIAM V. H. WILLIAMS. de- ceased, whose portrait is herewith shown. was a prominent citizen of Portsmouth. Virginia. He was the youngest son of John Will- iams and Paulina Luke Herbert. and was born in Portsmouth April 12. 1846.

Mr. Williams was descended from some of the oldest families in Virginia. His paternal ancestors first settled on the Eastern Shore. His great-grandfather. Samuel Williams, born in 1725. and Sarah Haggoman, his wife, moved to Mathews County, Virginia. before the Revo- lution. and were patriotic American sympa- thizers. Thomas Williams, their third son, born in 1762. married Mary L. Billups and they had eight children, all noted for their strict integrity and high moral character. Their longevity was remarkable-all lived to be over 80. except the heartiest and strongest, who was drowned at 75 years. John. second son of Thomas Williams. and father of William V. H., was born June 18. 1807 : he married Paul- ine Luke Herbert, daughter of Peter Herbert | and Elizabeth Granberry Luke, on January 27. 1835.

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK - COUNTY.

1 Isaac Luke, one of the maternal ancestors. was in his day one of the best known and most prominent citizens of Portsmouth, a large landowner and a wealthy man. He was a member and vestryman of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, but after hearing George Williams, an English divine, preach on Meth- odism, he entertained him at his home on Court street and became the first class-leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church south of the Potomac River. He and his wife are bur- ied in Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church- vard, and his wife's tombstone is now ensconced on the south end of the east wall in the church. This tombstone, which was brought from Eng- land, was originally fastened on the wall in the churchyard with copper bolts ; but during the war betwen the States the Federal soldiers wrenched it from its place for the sake of the copper bolts, which they sold as old copper. The stone was broken and lay upon the ground until after the war, when the pieces were ce- mented together. In 1804. when the present church was remodeled. the rector. Rev. J. B. Funston, had it carefully reset in the church wall, where it now rests.

Through the Herberts, the subject of this sketch is descended from the nobility of Eng- land. The Herbert family in America was es- tablished by three brothers, who came from England and settled in St. Bride's Parish on a neck of land between Norfolk and Portsmouth, once called Ferry Point, for a short time Her- bertsville, and now known as Berkley. The Herberts were well-to-do people, and were very proud of their birth and position. Mr. Williams' great-great-grandfather, William Herbert. was descended through Fitzhugh Herbert, from Lord Herbert. William Her- bert, born in 1718, married Janet Causon, and had 12 children, but we have records of the families of only four of them. Reuben, the old- est, born in 1743. married Betty Sparrow in 1765. Martha, the third child, married Mr. Odean. Janet, the sixth child, married Mr. Moore. William, the seventh child. had

a grandson living near . New Orleans in 1868. Reuben Herbert and Betty, his wife, had 10 children. Those who married were Martha, the eldest, who married Thomas Tatem in 1786; Peter, the second child, born September 9. 1769, who married Peg- gy Sparrow, died December 1. 1792, and after her death married Elizabeth Granberry Luke, April 30, 1816, and died suddenly of apoplexy on Sunday, December 6, 1829: Jo- seph, the third child, who married Sarah Rey- nolds: Frances, the fourth child, who married Sheldon Toomer, in 1793 : Mary, the fifth child, who married James Lewelling; and Reuben, the eighth child, who married Ann V. Luke.

Peter and Elizabeth ( Luke) Herbert were the parents of Pauline Luke Herbert, who mar- ried John Williams, and was the mother of William V. H. Williams. John Williams and his wife had five children: Mary Elizabeth, Thomas Herbert, Lucy Tane, John Herbert and William V. Herbert.

William V. H. Williams was educated at the Virginia Collegiate Institute, at that time the principal institution of learning in this sec- tion. Though too young to enter the Confed- erate Army, a fact which he always regretted. he was a zealous, patriotic worker in the cause. His family, however, were well represented in the Southern Army, his two brothers, John Herbert Williams and Thomas Herbert Will- iams, enlisted early and stayed to the finishi. His uncle. John Luke Herbert, was wounded at Malvern Hill July 1, 1862, and honorably discharged, but enlisted again in the Engineer Corps. Lieut .- Col. G. G. Luke, a cousin, led the brigade at the capture of Plymouth, North Car- olina, and was severely wounded at Drewry's Bluff; but he was again with the brigade around .Petersburg, and was captured at Five Forks.

After the war Mr. Williams engaged in sev- eral lines of business and at the age of 19 had a large school in Hampton, Virginia, where he taught for several years. He returned to Portsmouth and for about two years as-

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sisted Capt. C. T. Phillips in his school, but afterward established a school on North street. between Court and Middle streets, in the old homestead of his grandfather. Peter Ilerbert. This school was largely patronized, and was always a great pleasure to him. Ile contin- ued to conduct it until 1874, when he was elected secretary and treasurer of the Ports- mouth Insurance Company. It was the only home company in this section owned and man- aged by home ( Portsmouth) people. Its building was on High street, where the new Merchants' & Farmers' Bank now stands. During his management of the business. through his ability and integrity, its success and prosperity were icmarkable. At his death no one satisfactory to the company could be secured to take his place. so the company, which had been incorporated in 1852. was sold. the entire assets, liabilities, business and charter of the company. The stockholders received nearly four dollars for one. or. in exact figures. $3.90 net for every dollar invested. During the 24 years he was connected with the com- pany he did not lose a day on account of sick- ness until the illness which resulted in his death, July 14. 1898.

For years Mr. Williams was the intimate friend and business companion of O. V. Smith. and these two together took an active part in the advancement of the city's interest. which very naturally developed her advantages. . \t the time of his death, he was actively con- nected with the following organizations: Sec- retary and treasurer of the Portsmouth In- surance Company: director of the Bank of Portsmouth : director of the Portsmouth Com- pany : secretary of the Portsmouth Land Im- provement & Promotion Company : a member of the Board of Trade; trustee and director of the Y. M. C. A., of which he had also served as president ; a steward and trustee of Monumental Methodist Episcopal Church. South, and at the time of his election was the youngest man to fill that office ; a director of the Portsmouth & Norfolk County Building &

Loan Association : past master of Seaboard Masonic Lodge, No. 50, . F. & A. M .: a member of Portsmouth Council. No. 227, Royal Arcanum; treasurer of the Confederate Monumental Association from 1880 until the completion of the Confederate Monument ; and had served on the School Board, and in the City Council.

On February 21. 1882, Mr. Williams mar- ried Sallie E. Kearns, of New Orleans, Louisi- ana, daughter of Lawrence Lamb and Anna ( Devereaux ) Kearns. They had four chil- dren : Pauline K., Lawrence, Cecile and W. V. H.

Mr. Williams was loved and respected by all who knew him, but it was in his home, among his family, that his generous heart and gentle nature were seen at their best. His presence shed sunshine and happiness wherever he went. He was one of the most charitable men of the city. With a generous disposition and a lavish hand. he aided the poor and helped the needy. He gave systematically-creed ar na- tionality made no difference to him. Besides contributing nobly to his own church-Monu- mental Methodist Episcopal, South-he gave liberally to others of the city, and made it a point to give regularly one-tenth of his income to charity.

No man could be more sorely missed from the business and social life of the city than Mr. Williams. His charitable acts will live in the memory of his intimates who chanced to know of them. The influence of his sound business sense will live after him, and his thousand good qualities' will not soon be for- gotten.

APT. WILLIAM W. OLD, a promi- lent attorney of Norfolk. was born in Princess Anne County. Virginia, November 17, 1840, and is a son of Jonathan Whitehead Old, and a lineal descendant of Edward Old, who settled in Lower Norfolk County. Virginia, early in

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the seventeenth century. During the Indian wars previous to the Revolution, and in that struggle itself, members of his family gallantly served the Commonwealth. Thomas Old, of that period, and his kinsman, James Tooley, were members of the Committee of Safety in Princess Anne County during the War of In- dependence. Captain Old's mother, Elizabetlı Anne (Whitehurst) Old, connects him with another old and honorable family of Virginia. Her father, Colonel William Whitehurst, was for many years the presiding justice of Prin- cess Anne County by commission from the Governor.

Captain Old studied in his youth at the Norfolk Academy, then under the superintend- ence of John B. Strange, who afterward lost his life at Sharpsburg, as a colonel in the Con- federate service. In 1855, on account of a yellow fever epidemic. Colonel Strange left Norfolk and established the Albemarle Mili- tary Institute, where young Old studied three years. In October, 1858, after a few months at the Broun & Tebbs school in Albemarle County, he entered the University of Virginia, where he was graduated with the degree of M. A., July 4, 1861. Already the war had be- gun, and the "University Volunteers" had been organized at the university, in which he held the rank of junior second lieutenant.

On the day of graduation they were mus- tered into the Confederate service and as- signed to Wise's Brigade, then operating in West Virginia, where the company was on duty until disbanded the following December by order of the Secretary of War. Captain Old, determined to remain in the service. acted for a short time as volunteer aide upon the staff of General Wise, and then enlisted as a private in the 14th Regiment, Virginia In- fantry, commanded by Col. James Gregory Hodges. He was wounded in the second day's fight at Seven Pines, June Ist, and in August following was commissioned captain and as- sistant quartermaster and assigned to Battery No. 9 of the Richmond defenses, under com-

mand of Col. James Howard. He served there until May, 1863, when he was ordered to Jackson's old division, then commanded by Maj .- Gen. Edward Johnson, and placed in charge of the commissary train during the Pennsylvania campaign. In December, 1863, he resigned that position to become aide-de- camp upon the staff of General Johnson. On May 12, 1864, during the fighting at Spotts- sylvania Court House, he was engaged in carrying a message to Gen. C. A. Evans, when General Johnson and many of his troops were captured. He was subsequently assigned to the staff of Lieut .- Gen. Richard S. Ewell, and on June 12, 1864, to the staff of Gen. Jubal A. Early, with whom he served through the Maryland campaign and the movement on Washington in that year. In August of the same year his old commander, General Jolin- son, having been exchanged, ordered to the Western Army, then under General Hood, and assigned to command the division of Patton Anderson. Captain Old rejoined his staff, and served in the West until October 31st, when he was severely wounded at Florence, Alabama, and incapacitated for duty during the remain- der of the war. On being paroled after the capitulation of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, he returned home and was engaged in teaching school and farming until civil affairs were well settled.

In February, 1868. he was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of law at Norfolk, where he has since resided, and has been suc- cessful in his profession as a member of the firm of Walke & Old, until that firm was dis- solved by the death of Mr. Walke. Since then he has been a member of the firm of William W. Old & Son. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Norfolk, has for several years been delegate to the council of his diocese and chancellor of the diocese of Southern Virginia, and was delegate to the general convention at New York in 1889; Baltimore, in 1892: Minneapolis, in 1895; Washington, in 1898; and San Francisco, in

DANIEL V. GASKINS.

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1901. In 1870 he was married to Alice Her- bert, daughter of Edward H. Herbert, one of the most influential men of Princess Anne County. Mr. and Mrs. Old have six children. viz .: Dr. Herbert. a physician of Norfolk : William W., Jr., an attorney and a partner of his father: Anne, wife of Charles Webster. a lieuten nt in the United States Navy: Dr. Ed- ward H. N .. a graduate of the University of Virginia, who is located in New York City : Margaret Nash : and Ellen Alice.

ON. EDWARD SPALDING was judge of the County Court of Nor- folk County for six years ending De- cember 31. 1885. He has been en- gaged in the general practice of his profession in Norfolk since the latter part of 1869, and has a lucrative practice.

Judge Spalding was born in Kennebec County. Maine. in 1842, and was educated at the academy in Waterville. Maine. After graduating from this institution he secured a position in the Treasury Department at Wash- ington. D. C .. and while there read law. He graduated from the Columbian Law School in 1869 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and was admitted to the bar in Washington in the fall of that year. Then he came to Norfolk. where he has since resided. He has always been regarded as one of the successful prac- titioners at the bar of Norfolk, and has a large general practice. Although a strong supporter of the Republican party, since the expiration of his term on the bench he has never accepted office. He has always been found on the right side of measures intended for the benefit of the community in which he resides, whose in- terests he has ever had at heart. He has been active in supporting various enterprises and is a large owner of real estate and a director in a number of land companies.

Judge Spalding is married and is a mem- ber of the First Presbyterian Church.

ANIEL V. GASKINS, funeral direc- tor, with place of business at No. 610 D Middle street. Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Ports- mouth. He is a son of Daniel Gas- kins and Julia .A. V. Hatton ( nec Dyes). his wife.

Our subject's maternal great-grandfather Peter Dyes, was a captain in the Revolutionary War. He was a farmer by occupation and established a home on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, one mile from Gilmerton. which is still in the possession of the family. The Dyes family were influential in assisting in the growth and development of the county. Nathaniel Dyes, the grandfather of our subject. who was also a farmer, married Mary Ann Copeland Clark, a member of the Llewellyn family of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Daniel Gaskins, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Nansemond County. Virginia, October 5. 1820. His wife. Julia A. V. Hatton (ned Dynes) was born Novem- ber 6. 1820. in Norfolk County, on the home- stead founded by her grandfather. Peter Dyes. Daniel Gaskins was an undertaker and cabinet maker. following his trade until his death. which occurred March 18, 1864. He was well and favorably known in Portsmouth, where he spent the greater part of his life. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife is still living, aged 81 years. Of eight children born to this couple, but two survive. Georgia A .. the wife of B. F. Vaughan; and Daniel V., the subiect of this sketch.

Daniel V. Gaskins was educated in the com- mon schools of Portsmouth, and after leaving school engaged in the undertaking business. succeeding his father. He married. November 15. 1869. Elizabeth Sargent Sirian, a daughter of George and Elenor E. Sirian.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 118

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912 Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1054

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054